UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For the second consecutive year, Big Ten Conference officials have approved the equal distribution of what would have been Penn State’s share of football bowl game revenues to 2013-14 Big Ten member universities. The 12 schools, including Penn State, must distribute the funds to child-focused organizations in their local communities as they deem appropriate.

Last year, Penn State worked with the Centre County United Way (CCUW) to determine where these funds were most needed. The donation was then equally distributed between the Stewards of Children education and prevention program and the Children’s Advocacy Center, a victim services agency. Both programs will split Penn State’s portion of funds again this year to further promote their missions.

“The Stewards of Children program is an important resource in the fight against child sexual abuse,” Tammy Gentzel, CCUW executive director, said. “Under the leadership of the YMCA of Centre County, Centre County Women’s Resource Center and Centre County Youth Service Bureau, thousands of adults have been provided with the information they need to keep our children safe. This significant funding will ensure that Stewards of Children training continues in Centre County.”

In 2013, the 12 Big Ten schools divided $2.3 million of bowl revenues among a host of organizations serving and protecting children.